Oscar Favorites

I love watching the Academy Awards because it combines my two loves - fashion and movies. From the opening montage to Anne Hathaway's fantastic wardrobe, there were plenty of memorable moments. Here are a few of my favorite red carpet arrivals.

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab Couture

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

All pictures from style.com

Who were your favorites?

LC Lauren Conrad

I'm not a Kohl's shopper, but looking at the current LC Lauren Conrad collection has me rethinking that. From flirty dresses to the classic trench, many of Lauren Conrad's designs are fashionable and affordable. While I'm not a fan of every piece in the collection, the dresses are sweet, and I could easily imagine wearing any of them to a family brunch or on a first date. The trench, so cheerful and feminine, begs to be worn during spring showers and will have you hoping for rain.

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Chiffon Dress

LC Lauren Conrad Trench Coat

LC Lauren Conrad Floral Ruffle Chiffon Dress

Don't forget to enter the CSN Stores Giveaway!

Things i LOVE Thursday

Starting my morning with a cup of tea

Making a sundress in anticipation of spring

Watching The Secret of Moonacre

Playing games on Lumosity

Listening to "Perfect" by Pink

Hearting this skirt by Many Belles Down

Wanting these sunglasses from Forever 21

Reading Audition by Michael Shurtleff

Baking oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

Loving these cute tights

T-Post: The World's First Wearable Magazine

Journalism as we know it is changing and not just because of the Internet. T-Post, the world's first wearable magazine, is cleverly redefining print media. Each issue features a design that reflects the article printed on the inside of the t-shirt. Merging new artists with current events, T-Post inspires conversation as wells as international awareness.

I was sent t-shirt issue #48 to review. The illustration, a toilet paper reconstruction of Che Guevara designed by Stefan G. Bucher, hints at the inside article covering the toilet paper shortage in Cuba.

I love the concept of the wearable magazine. An issue costs approximately $26, and a new issue is available every 5 weeks. A subscription would make a great gift or a fabulous way to expand your own t-shirt collection.

What do you think of the wearable magazine?

Don't forget to enter the CSN Stores Giveaway!

The Skinny Cargo Debate

I love skinny jeans. I live in skinny jeans. I'm just not sure about skinny cargo pants. I like the idea of them - a chic twist on a utilitarian classic, but I'm concerned about those pockets. Roomy pockets are great, but on skinny pants, they just don't look right. Still, I am tempted to add a pair to my wardrobe since skinny cargos are popping up in almost every store. Obviously, it's time I braved the dressing room and tried a pair on.

Banana Republic Skinny Cargo

Forever 21 Knee Seam Cargo Pants

What do you think of skinny cargo pants?

Don't forget to enter the CSN Stores Giveaway!

CSN Stores Giveaway!

A taste of spring is in the air, and it feels wonderful to leave the house wearing just a light jacket. While snow is in the forecast for next week, I've already got the itch to spring clean. It's time for a room makeover, so I'm super excited to be hosting a CSN stores giveaway. If your in the mood for a room makeover, too, All Modern is a great place to look for office accessories, modern furniture, and contemporary lighting. CSN is offering a $35 gift certificate (does not cover shipping) good at any of their 200+ stores, so you're bound to find something you like.

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on Twitter (@akaleistar)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, February 28, 2011.

Open to U.S. and Canadian readers.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing and announced on Twitter.

Things i LOVE Thursday

Wrapping on a wonderful set

Reading Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble

thanks to the Kindle for BlackBerry app

Laughing while watching the first episode of Genuine Ken

Putting Nelly's "Just A Dream" on repeat

Browsing these wonderful pictures by e-nidhi

Wanting to try TokyoMilk Salted Caramel No. 36 Lip Elixir

Hearting this cute floral dress from Forever 21

Loving this grosgrain bag from Topshop

Flipping through matchbook

Feeling like spring is in the air

Dreams Come True

Now that I've wrapped up a few projects, I'm suffering from a bit of let down and find myself in need of a pick me up. So, I had to smile when I came across this Dreams Come True Necklace by Foxy Originals. It's the perfect reminder to keep working towards my dreams.

Happy Valentine's Day!

"Do you know that everything that reminds me of you makes my heart leap?"

-Sarah Bernhardt

Celebrate by wearing pink and red, watching Audrey Hepburn movies, and sending some e-love.

Nail Polish Haul

The last few weeks have been crazy busy, but I made time to splurge on some new nail polish. The polishes from Zoya were part of their facebook giveaway, so special thanks to Zoya for the awesome promotion!

Who can resist a namesake nail polish? Ashley is described as a vampy red and looks amazing on fair skin tones.

Love this cheerful, robin's egg blue! Robyn is going to get a lot of play this summer.

Ever since last summer when I saw several European bloggers sporting crackle nail polish, I have been desperate to find a bottle Stateside. So, I was super excited to find a bottle of O.P.I. Black Shatter during an excursion to Ulta.

Soirée from M.A.C. reminds me of a Chanel nail color I had in high school. I love the look of gilded nails.

This is Black Shatter over Soirée, which gives a cool leopard-print look.

Finally, Lo is my attempt to embrace honeysuckle. I don't usually rock bright pink manicures, but I'm kind of liking this.

Also, thanks for the winter coat suggestions!

Things i LOVE Thursday

Working as a dresser at a Neiman Marcus fashion show

Attending a wrap party at The Ghost Bar

Reading Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes

Surviving the epic snow storms

(yes, plural...)

Listening to "My Boots" by Lights

Wanting this Prabal Gurung Drop Shoulder Wrap Coat

Hearting this Long Poppy Dress

Loving these dishes designed by Rachel Bilson

Watching this Chrysler Super Bowl Ad

Looking forward to the weekend

Evolving Influence Live

Watch live streaming video from ifbconference at livestream.com

In Search of a Winter Coat

The recent snowpocalypse has made me realize I lack a key winter garment - a coat. After the great parka purge I went on a few years ago, I refused to buy another winter coat because I was tired of looking like the Michelin Man. Now that it is 4 degrees outside, I'm starting to rethink that stance. Currently, I am eyeing some coats by Columbia.

Columbia Mighty Lite™ Jacket

• Omni-Shield® advanced repellency sheds moisture.
• Omni-Heat® insulation; 80g.
• Thumb loops.
• Full-length zip.
• Two front zip pockets and one inner zip pocket.

Columbia Melange Maven™ Down Jacket

• Omni-Shield® finish sheds moisture.
• 500-fill-power down insulation keeps you warm.
• Removable faux fur trim.
• Full-length zip.
• Two zip hand pockets, one inner zip pocket and one inner media pocket.
• Insulation: 550-fill down.

Favorite Drugstore Beauty Buys

I have a weakness for beauty products. I could spend hours in Sephora and Ulta browsing the shelves and playing with the latest products. While it's fun to post about $46 lipstick and $58 eyeshadow, sometimes it's nice to remember that beauty doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are some of my favorite drugstore beauty buys.

I carry Nicole by OPI Nic's Sticks in Top it Off Top Coat everywhere because it makes on-the-go touch ups so easy.

Carmex Lip Balm Stick in Strawberry is a must have for all seasons. This tingly, sweet smelling lip balm is moisturizing and is SPF15.

Because ponytails and messy buns are key to my everyday look, I would be lost without my Goody Ouchless Hair Elastics.

One of my favorite eyeshadows of all time is the Milani Runway Eyes Shadow in Beach Sand. It looks amazing wet or dry.

Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara in Very Black is a recent discovery. I'm not usually a fan of Maybelline mascara, but this one makes my eyes pop.

What are your favorite drugstore beauty buys?

Things i LOVE Thursday

Listening to Taylor Swift's "Haunted"

Watching the last episode of Downton Abbey

(Can't wait for the next season!)

Reading The Happiness Project

by Gretchen Rubin

Filming at the Henry Ford Museum

Eating spanakopita at 1 a.m.

Wanting the MAC Wonder Woman lipstick

Hearting these Simple Shoes sneakers

Having a snow day

On A Winter's Day

Snow day! After surviving last night's blizzard, I am refusing to leave the house until the roads are cleared. To prevent cabin fever, here are some ideas for whiling away the snowed in hours.

• Give yourself a snowflake manicure
• Make a Starbucks-inspired Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate
• Wear cute earmuffs
• Have a movie marathon - Snow Day, anyone?
• Build a snowman
• Sew an Anthropology-inspired scarf
• Save a snowflake
• Play Clue, Scrabble, or any other favorite board game
• Spend the day in your pajamas
• Try making snow ice cream